Overview & Reviews

For more than 100 years now, Ford Motor Company has been selling mass-produced automobiles in the United States and around the globe. Known as one of the Big Three American manufacturers, Ford has attracted millions of loyal customers with a wide range of vehicles that offer considerable value. The automaker's trucks and SUVs have been especially popular. For decades, Ford's F-Series truck has been the best-selling vehicle in America.

The company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903. Ford dreamed of building a car for the masses, and that's precisely what he did, most notably with the immortal Model T of 1908-'27. The latter was bought by 16.5 million Americans during its 20-year lifespan and was affordable enough for Ford's own factory workers to purchase. Ford's early years were also distinguished by its introduction of the moving assembly line. It was the first to utilize this more cost-effective method of production, and its innovation became a mainstay of the manufacturing process.

Ford expanded into the luxury-car market with its purchase of Lincoln Motor Company in 1925. Over the next few years, the company broadened its focus even further by creating the Mercury division to produce mid-priced cars. By the late '30s, Ford had unveiled the stylish Lincoln Zephyr, introduced a low-priced V8 engine and built more than 25 million vehicles.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the legendary Thunderbird. Offering sleek styling and spirited performance wedded to available luxury features like power windows and a signal-seeking radio, the car was a huge hit. Another model of that decade, the Edsel, met with a somewhat less enthusiastic reception. In the wake of abysmal sales, the Edsel was discontinued just a few months into its third model year.

Ford regained its footing in the early 1960s with the introduction of the compact Falcon, a model that was warmly received by the public. By the middle of the decade the automaker had given enthusiasts something to cheer about with the launch of the sporty Mustang, a car that went on to become one of the biggest sellers of its day. Buyers adored the Mustang's low price, available powerful V8 engines and sporty styling. The Mustang even created a brand-new vehicle category: the pony car.

By the 1970s, Ford, like other domestic automakers, was starting to suffer the effects of changing consumer tastes and new government regulations. Many of its cars became shadows of their former selves. But the seeds of rebirth were planted in this decade. In 1979, the company acquired a stake in Mazda; this move would later aid Ford significantly in co-development projects. The company also emerged with a new mindset of global competitiveness.

By the mid-to-late '80s, Ford was showing new strength with its popular Escort and Taurus models while further expanding its empire with the purchase of the Aston Martin and Jaguar brands. Meanwhile, its full-size LTD sedan (later renamed the Crown Victoria) remained a staple of taxi companies and police forces throughout America.

Ford rode a wave of popularity in the 1990s, thanks in part to the huge success of its Explorer midsize SUV. The truck played a huge role in ushering in the era of the SUV. In 1999, Ford expanded its family yet again with the purchase of Volvo's car division, and, in 2000, it acquired Land Rover. For awhile, there was talk of Ford even taking General Motors' spot as the No. 1 automaker in the world.

But the new millennium initially saw a downturn for Ford. Increased competition, a continuing operating loss for Jaguar, legacy costs and a reliance on SUVs for profit took their toll. To compensate, the company sold Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo and introduced a wave of successful new products. Models like the F-150, Fusion, Fiesta, Focus, Flex and Mustang have allowed Ford to regain its health and standing as a very competitive manufacturer.

User Reviews:

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  Almost bought an Altima - 2005 Ford Five Hundred
  By sal - August 25 - 1:20 am

  While on my way to purchase a new Altima, I thought Id stop by the Ford dealer close by. After one drive sitting higher up off the road I did not even go back to the Nissan dealership. Easy to get in and out of. Ive had customers tell me they thought I was driving a Mercedes. While the power is average, in 90%+ of normal driving it is just fine. Averages close to 27 MPG on highway, and the room is GREAT. All in all a car worth the $$.

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  Thirsty as a toad in the desert - 2004 Ford Expedition
  By TourGuide - August 24 - 10:11 pm

  Could you live with single digit mpg? It happened to me. This single fact ruined my ownership experience. 18 mpg on the highway (after 10,000 miles), but I didnt drive it on the highway much. Low quality audio for a $48K vehicle - lose the Visteon garbage Ford! Chattering plastic parts in the rear liftgate took forever to locate and correct (did this myself). Rear axle seals went bad at 7000 miles. I desperately wanted to like this vehicle, and I did until the economics of driving it and the problems started up. This was my first big ticket vehicle purchase and I feel I was reasonable about my expectations. My idea of $48K worth of vehicle and Fords dont match. Bitterly disappointed with Ford.

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  Best Snow car ever - 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
  By John Goodson - August 24 - 3:19 pm

  Sure its a hybrid and gets good mileage for an SUV, but, the 4WD, with the motor over the front tires and the hybrid battery over the rear tires gives this SUV a low center of gravity and amazing traction on snow. Forget about the chains forever with this car; Oh, by the way, after 100K, the motor is still super reliable. I spent $500 on the 100K service and had to spend $600 on the hybrid fan after 60K, but other than that its just a $20 oil change every 5K. A well-built car with great mileage and outstanding traction.

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  2016 Explorer Sport. Great Family SUV - 2016 Ford Explorer
  By C.M. - August 24 - 3:04 pm

  If you want a SUV that has great acceleration, the bells and whistles technology has to offer and fits your family comfortably for long road trips this is the car for you! I originally had a 2014 Limited Ford Explorer but 290hp is not enough for a heavy SUV. (aka CUV) So I traded it in for a 2016 Explorer Sport and WOW love this one! With 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque its the engine my Explorer needed. My husband and I tested it in the real world. We were able to get 0-60 in 6 seconds flat, not bad for amateur drivers;). This car is so comfortable for long road trips. Traveled straight for 9 hours with my husband (um we did stop for bathroom breaks three times) , my 81yr old mom, my 61 tall son and his girlfriend and every one was so comfortable. I know people think the third row leg room is small, but my son is 61 and he rode in the third row just fine. My 81yr old mom is able to get in second row seats very easily because the design of the foot entry is lower then other SUVs. For example she couldnt get in the Jeep Grand Cherokee I was thinking of getting before I bought my Ford. I also love the new additional front camera on my Sport it helps me menuever tight corners like at some fast food drive thrus. My Sport is loaded with Adaptive Cruise Control thats a definite plus, we used it all the time during our 9hr road trip. Sorry to read some reviewers Explorers breaking down on road trips, but my personal experience with my 2014 Explorer Limited and now my 2016 Explorer Sport is that they both have been driven with no problems except the Sync system shut down twice and we had to reboot it by turning off the car and then on again, other than that absolutely no problems with engine, comfort or technology.

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  My F150 - 2002 Ford F-150
  By Danny - August 24 - 1:23 pm

  This truck I have had for three years. The truck has not given me any problems at all since I bought it three years ago. I had the slave clutch changed to a better one. The interior design of this truck is comfortable and well planned out for some one who uses the truck to travel in. I love to take long trips in it since it does save me money on fuel. I use roughly about $200 dollars to get from California to Texas and back to California. The suspension gives you a comfortable and quiet ride. All in all I give this truck a 9.8 out of 10.

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  Love all the design touches, performance and features - 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid
  By jcwat - August 24 - 11:21 am

  Recommended.I did my research and compared to Hybrid rivals, C-Max outshines them all. It fit my tight parameters of price, style, features and performance in every comparison. After test drive, Was impressed by performance, ergonomics, luxurious interior, room and comfort of a well thought out crossover vehicle.The little design touches show how well thought out it is, The MPG debate showed realistic mileage,and after 1500 miles, now lifetime average is 37.2 and climbing. Varies between 30s -50s (61 highest) on different trips. Thats twice my 2007 Santa Fe 18.2 mpg lifetime average, so Im happy. Id rather have the better performance and extra features than quibble over a few mpg

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  Luv my Excursion - 2003 Ford Excursion
  By RBR - August 23 - 9:16 pm

  I have the Powerstroke 6.0 diesel. Use truck for towing 32 travel trailer - works great. Interior seats are very spacious and comfortable. 20mph hwy/16 city. Towing 12 - 13 mpg. Will hate to see it discontinued.

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  great purchase! - 2005 Ford Expedition
  By jbs - August 23 - 6:43 pm

  The only thing missing with this car is the extra room in the very back. It is the most comfortable car I have ever driven. Every seat is comfortable. I do hope they come out with an extended length and improve the gas mileage on all SUVs. With four children we need the space!

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  Disgruntled Ford owner - 2000 Ford Windstar
  By Shirley L. Kimbro - August 23 - 5:30 pm

  My 2000 Ford Windstar SEL has given me nothing but trouble. The transmission had to be replaced when it was less than 2 years old ($2200). The transmission was replaced AGAIN 2 weeks ago ($2900), and its in the service dept right now because the "Check Transmission" and the Overdrive light is still flashing. Its the WORST vehicle Ive ever had. I will never spend my money on another Ford vehicle. The van should have been "recalled" for mechanical defects. The electrical doors and locks have failed.

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  Satisfied Freestar Owner - 2005 Ford Freestar
  By Jacob - August 23 - 5:14 pm

  Overall were very satisfied with vehicle. Ride is comfortable. Roomy interior. Decent power. A few problems arose since we drove it off the lot - the power liftgate wasnt closing properly and we noticed the third-row seat pattern was slightly different than the rest of the car, but dealership has been responsive to these issues. NYC area promotion of free DVD player was definitely a plus. Perhaps not as stylish as a Quest or refined as a Sienna or Odyssey, but with all the features we got in our SEL, was thousands less than the competition. Love being able to play DVDs for kids through headphones while retaining control of car stereo.